Tea Shelf Life

• Teas sold in packages do not have an expiration date, but rather a best-by date. This does not indicate spoilage, but rather quality. When properly stored, most teas are good up to 12 months beyond their best-by date. You can expect loose leaf teas to remain good for up to one year from purchase. For fruit and herbal teas, the shelf life varies more considerably based on the ingredients, but when properly stored, these teas have a shelf life of one year.

Storage Basics

• Always store tea in a cool, dark and dry location to keep it fresh and fragrant during storage. Store tea in an airtight tin or jar once opened. Do not store different types of tea together in the same container, as the odors can affect the flavors of other teas. Avoid storage near a dishwasher, stove or refrigerator, as the ambient temperature and temperature fluctuations near these appliances can be enough to prematurely spoil tea.

Extending the Shelf Life of Tea

• Extend the shelf life of tea bags and loose leaf tea by storing them in the freezer. When frozen, the shelf life of both tea bags and loose leaf teas, as well as herbal and fruit teas, extends up to two years. For freezer storage, pack loose leaf tea or tea bags in freezer-safe storage bags or containers, remove as much air as possible and seal. Use frozen teas as usual by steeping in near-boiling water straight from the freezer.

Spoilage Indicators

• Becuase of its dried state, it is unlikely that tea will spoil. More commonly, tea simply loses its aroma as its oils dissipate over long storage. While old tea does not pose any health threats, old tea leaves or bags typically will yield a very weak tea that lacks its original distinct flavor. However, if you notice any signs of spoilage such as mold or an unpleasant aroma, discard tea leaves or bags without tasting.